Ampul opening device

Abstract

An ampul opening device is disclosed which enables one to open a glass ampul in a safe and secure manner while minimizing fragmentation of the ampul during opening. The device features a one-piece body structure comprising an ampul holding member having a cylindrical configuration closed or partially closed at one end and having the opposite end open. Integrally attached to the open end is an arm being in line with the vertical axis of the holding member. The arm is of such length as to extend slightly beyond the removable end of the ampul. The upper region of the arm possesses sufficient flexibility to enable the operator to exert a force by means of one's thumb or thumbs to cause the neck of the ampul to fracture cleanly along a narrowly defined transverse fracture path.

We claim: 
     
       1. A device for opening an ampul having at its top end a tapered tip adapted to be snapped off from the body of the ampul along a constricted weakened fracture zone to provide access to the interior of the ampul and which fits within the grasp of one's hand or hands, comprising a one-piece body structure including: (a) an ampul holding member which is essentially a rigid cylindrical member having a relatively flat base and an opening at the opposite end having a diameter which allows easy insertion and removal of an ampul and a depth which allows positioning of the ampul weakened fracture zone above the holding member opening;   (b) an arm member integrally attached to the open end of the ampul holding member and being in line with the vertical axis of said ampul holding member, said arm being of sufficient length to extend slightly beyond the tapered tip of the ampul and possessing sufficient flexibility at the upper portion to allow one to exert force with one's thumb or thumbs so that said arm member makes contact with the upper portion of the ampul tapered tip thereby utilizing the tapered tip as a torque arm to maximize the applied force to fracture the ampul cleanly along the fracture zone in the constricted region, said arm member having no direct contact with the constricted breaking region of the ampul.   
     
     
       2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device is fabricated from a polymeric material. 
     
     
       3. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is fabricated from polyethylene. 
     
     
       4. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device is useful with ampuls of various sizes in the size range between and including 1 to 10 milliliter standard capacity ampuls. 
     
     
       5. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the ampul holding member has a view port which is in line with the vertical axis of said holding member and is of sufficient length to allow a user to observe most of the ampul. 
     
     
       6. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the ampul holding member has an opening in the base which is concentric with the base and has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the ampul. 
     
     
       7. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is fabricated from polypropylene. 
     
     
       8. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is fabricated from nylon. 
     
     
       9. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is fabricated from polyvinylchloride. 
     
     
       10. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene.